A man's heartfelt message of 'Jesus Loves You' displayed on his car has sparked an unexpected battle with his insurance provider, threatening his policy and raising questions about religious freedom.



When you think about driving, what comes to mind? Is it navigating backed-up traffic, avoiding lane closures or simply getting to your destination on time? Or maybe you think about passing your Driver’s Test, paying for car insurance or making sure you obey the speed limit. For 35-year-old Simeon Chandra, driving became an opportunity to share the love of Christ.

Because of his faith, Chandra taped the words “Jesus Loves You” and “Jesus Loves You Very Much” on the sides of his 2009 Nissan Pixo using green and orange tape. When British insurance provider GoSkippy was notified, they noted that the modifications were denied and requested immediate evidence of their removal. According to The Telegraph, “the insurer warned his policy would be voided unless they came off,” and no explanation for why was given.

Thankfully, through the Christian Legal Centre, Chandra’s case is receiving the support and defense it deserves. While still shocked, upset and rightly surprised by the need for the case, he notes that his freedom of religion and expression have been breached.

“I was shocked, surprised and upset when they told me I had to take the stickers off. I had tried to do the right thing by telling the insurer about the stickers and sending photographs," Chandra said in a statement shared by the Christian Legal Centre. "The message on my car is very simple: ‘Jesus Loves You.’ It is not abusive, political, hateful or commercial. It is a message of hope” (The Christian Post).

Although Chandra was raised in a home by two Christian missionaries of Indian heritage, it wasn’t until college that Chandra became a Christian.

Andrea Williams, Christian Legal Centre Chief Executive, furthered that if insurance companies can deny coverage because of faith-based messages, something isn’t right.

“Stories like Simeon’s show why Christians are compelled to live out their faith publicly. Having experienced profound transformation through Jesus, from despair to hope, and from brokenness to purpose, he is not ashamed to share what he believes," she said in a statement. "For Simeon, speaking about his faith is not about imposing beliefs on others, but about helping others discover the same faith, hope, and love that have changed his life.”

Source